Introduction
by Ashley Little, Central State University
This Webquest is designed for 8th-grade students that are learning about systems of linear equations.
Introduction
Task
TASK
As people of the Garden company and math club, you have as you know been asked to plant two trees in the family's backyard. But first, you have to show them it's a good idea to plant two trees at the same time. You want to persuade the family that 2 trees can grow at the same rate. Each partner will be responsible for data and a video of the tree of their choice.
Process
PROCESS 
What is system of equations? In order to understand this assignment go through this website, Systems of equations | Algebra basics | Math | Khan Academy explaining and describing the process of system of equation and answer some sample questions. Save the example questions for help in your assignment.
Before starting your task, give the family a survey, https://u0jkikdjl0l.typeform.com/to/wQUKTvXl which can be represented a each partner taking the survey then you switch answers, lastly look on Pub 5509 Trees of Ohio Field Guide.pdf (ohiodnr.gov), site to select what 2 trees relate to their survey. Beyond each partner they will have to come together and write two equations 1- to represent partner 1's tree growth over time and 2- partner 2's tree growth over time. Students will use the substitution or elimination method to solve the system and explain the solution. Be sure to include a spreadsheet that shows you and your partner's name, tree, and growth rate to guarantee each student has a different growth rate.
PROJECT
Once you have completed your research and have recorded data you and your partner go over your data together. Use Desmos to recreate you and your partner's system of linear equations by graphing both lines. Since it's a pandemic unfortunately we can't do the discussion meeting in person so, create a video discussing both trees, the data, and the growth process make sure to include pictures of the tree growth over time from beginning to end.
Helpful Hints?
Learn how to use desmos using Learn Desmos
Evaluation
|
4 Exceptional |
3 Satisfactory |
2 Developing |
1 Unsatisfactory |
Total: | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neatness/ Organization | Exceptionally organized and particularly neat in design and layout | Organized and neat in design and layout | Acceptably neat but may be messy at times and/or show lack of organization | Distractedly messy or very poorly designed. Does not show effort in work | ||
| Accurate Research |
|
The research mostly gives evidence behind the growth 1 or both trees and has a small fixable error on how the trees can grow at the exact same rate | The research barely gives evidence behind 1 tree and has errors within knowing how the trees can grow at the exact same rate | The research gives no evidence behind any of the 2 trees and can’t determine if the trees will grow at the same rate | ||
| Writing Systems of Equations and Finding Correct Solution | Both equations equal each other and can represent both trees growing at the same rate | A small error in one of the equations but still was able to determine if they grew at the same rate | One of the equations have a solution but the other does not and almost closely was able to determine if the trees grew at the same rate | The equations do not equal one another and cannot represent both trees growing at the same rate | ||
| The Graph | The points on the graph accurately represented the two equations and the growth rate of both trees | The points on the graph are closely accurately with at least one incorrect point that's represented for the two equations and the growth of both trees | The points on the graph are exceptionally accurate with 2 or fewer incorrect points that are represented for the two equations and the growth of both trees | The points on the graph have no accuracy with all points incorrect for the two equations and the growth of both trees | ||
| The Visual Video | Neatly and accurately shows all the information that you have gathered in the project and has lots of visuals | Neatly shows all the information that you have gathered in the project and has some visuals | Acceptably neat but may be missing some information and visual | Not enough information in the visual and does not show effort in work | ||
| Reflection | The student wrote at least two paragraphs that showed how much you learned from this project | The student wrote at least two paragraphs that showed how much you learned from the project | The student wrote one paragraph that has a few errors in the explanation of what the student learned from the project | The student wrote at least one paragraph that doesn't really show what they learned and may need extra guidance |
Conclusion
CONCLUSION
Look at this rubric to evaluate your video and data then, make a chart that shows what you think are the strengths and weaknesses of your project at least 5 of each, what you could do differently, and determine if you should make some changes. Your teacher will use the rubric tool to evaluate your project as well.
Great Job! Way to put your math skills to work. The family would like to thank you for your video and data and is now convinced for our company to plant two trees in their backyard at the same time. I hope this helped you get more insight and learn about systems of linear equations, discover new ways of data use, and build creativity by creating a video.